Cast of characters : the Mexican drug cartels and their leaders -- Calderon's war and the surge of casualties -- Carnage in Mexico : the innocent victims -- "Silver or lead?" the sources of the cartels' power -- Mexico : a new failed state? -- Calderon's strategy : a failing grade -- Mexico's corruption and violence : a threat to Americans? -- Washington's own war on the cartels -- Scapegoats and bogus solutions -- Biting the bullet : defunding the cartels.